Uber Launches New Courier Service Called UberRUSH

Uber is launching a new courier service tomorrow.

Uber, the popular transportation network service, is going beyond cars. The company today announced UberRUSH, an experimental courier service that will initially be available in Manhattan below 110th Street.

On a blog post, the company said that UberRUSH will work within the Uber app. Uber users will simply need to choose "RUSH" and request for an item to be picked by placing a pin at a specific pickup address.

Uber has hired messengers that will travel on foot or on bikes to pick up and deliver items. In fact, Uber posted a $20-per-hour job listing on Craigslist last month, calling out for applicants who will be willing to deliver items on foot or on a bicycle. The company even promised to give a free iPhone 4S to successful applicants.

To ensure the quality of service, Uber contends that it did a strict background check and screening on its messengers. Users will be able to track their items within the Uber app. Do note that UberRUSH will not purchase items for you. Basically, it just works like a traditional courier service.

Uber's advantage here is clearly its existing customer base who are more likely to trust the company's new effort. As for the rate, it is calculated based on zones. Uber will charge a flat rate of $15, plus an extra $5 for every additional zone.

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Gene Ryan BrionesGene Ryan Briones (Google+) is a technology journalist with a wide experience in writing about the latest trends in the technology industry, ranging from mobile technology, gadgets and robots, as well as computer hardware and software.